Monday, August 23, 2010

Welcome to District 10! Even though Katniss didn't think much of our tributes dressed up as cows with flaming belts (she called them pathetic), we're still 100% behind Katniss, our symbol of hope.

Now if you know livestock farmers at all, you know that we all really enjoy putting together playlists. We love the Hunger Games Survival Mix Forever Young Adult put together for Katniss to prepare for the games. Yep, Another One Bites the Dust by Queen never fails to get us pumped up. It makes a nice change to the cacophony of cowbells and rooster crowing.

In any case, I wanted to take it one step further and make individual playlists for each of the Hunger Games triology main characters. These are songs that I either thought of when reading particular scenes featuring the character or that I think describes the character well.

As the symbol of the revolution, it is fitting that Katniss get some 'protest' songs.

1. Tori Amos "Iieee"We scream in cathedrals, why can't that be beautiful? Why does there gotta be a sacrifice?
This is a line that always goes through my head when I think of Katniss taking Prim's place.

2. Bat for Lashes "Glass"Sew a cape of red and gold, Stifle up the beam, With the perfect armor, With the perfect dream, When two suns are shining, The battle becomes blinding.
Makes me think of Cinna dressing Katniss for the games.

3. Rage Against the Machine "Darkness"We’ll strike a match and it’ll catch, And spread the insight we need, A tiny fire burning bright, Shedding light on the darkness of greed.
This is what Katniss is to our revolution - a tiny fire burning bright.

4. Muse "Unnatural Selection"They'll laugh as they watch us fall, The lucky don't care at all, I'm hungry for some unrest, I want to push this beyond a peaceful protest, I wanna speak in a language that they'll understand.
Self explanatory, I think!

5. Hard-Fi "Stronger"You dish it out, I'll take it in, I can only grow from the lies you spin, If you're not scared then you should be, Nothin' in the world will keep you from me.
All I can say is that President Snow better watch his back.

6. Placebo "Every You, Every Me"Pucker up for heaven’s sake. There's never been so much at stake.
This is what I imagine Haymitch yelling at Katniss before the broth/cave scene in book 1.

So Peeta, he's a particular favorite of mine, and a lot of how we know him is in his relationship with Katniss. And of course we know he's a great painter and bakes beautiful, tasty cakes.

1. Tori Amos "Baker, Baker"Baker Baker baking a cake, Make me a day, Make me whole again, And I wonder what's in a day, What's in your cake this time?
This is probably something Katniss sings to Peeta often.

2. The Rentals "Sweetness & Tenderness" I need to figure this out, And find where my place is, I don't mean to threaten anyone, No need to get so defensive, You say you're with me, I know you don't care.
Something Peeta probably sings to Katniss often.

3. Stars "Take Me to the Riot"Let's do that, just feed me, I hate when I have to get to sleep, You despise me and I love you, It's not much but it's just enough to keep.
Yes, the broth/cave scene again, this time from Peeta's point of view.

4. Coldplay "Spies"I awake to see that no one is free. We're all fugitives - look at the way we live. Down here, I cannot sleep from fear. no.
Peeta and his nightmares. Yes, The Capitol is indeed spying on you.

5. Placebo "The Bitter End"Reminds me that it's killing time, On this fateful day. See you at the bitter end.
Something Peeta might say to Katniss before going into the arena.

6. No Doubt "Running"Running, running as fast as we can. I really hope we make it. Do you think we’ll make it? We’re running, keep holding my hand, so we don’t get separated.
Towards the end of the first games, this one was going through my head.

And then we've got Gale, Katniss' best friend, and the one she might have married had Prim not been chosen at the reaping. You'll probably notice by my song choice that I am not #teamgale.

1. Tori Amos "Toast"Lately you've been on my mind,You showed me the ropes, Ropes to climb, Over mountains, And to pull myself, Out of a landslide.
Something Katniss might sing to Gale. After all, he's her rock - the one who helped teach her how to survive.

3. Rilo Kiley "Dreamworld"See, I'm a man with a plan to use my hands. I'm touching yours, you're the girl who wanted more.
Probably what Gale was thinking before *that kiss* and going off to his job at the coal mine.

4. The Cure "Letter for Elise"It doesn't matter what you say, I just can't stay here every yesterday, like keep on acting out the same, the way we act out, every way to smile, forget, and make-believe we never needed, any more than this.
Gale's letter to Katniss.

5. The Decemberists "Crane Wife 1+2"I am a poor man, I haven't wealth nor fame, I have my two hands, And a house to my name, And the winter's so, And the winter's so long.
Describes Gale well, I think.

6. Sea Wolf "Orion & Dog"Orion said I’m just a humble hunter, the dog the only company I keep.
How I picture Gale's future. ;)

When I think of Haymitch, I can't help but think of a lot of drinking songs...Margaritaville, Whisky in the Jar, Red, Red Wine, and I'm sure a ton of country songs (but I don't listen to country when I can help it). But he's also quite sly...

1. Tori Amos "Concertina"I know the truth lies in between the 1st and the 40th drink.
We're never quite sure what Haymitch is really up to.

Yes, The Capitol gets a playlist too. And by The Capitol, I mean more the general population of The Capitol.

1. Tori Amos "Yes, Anastasia"We’ll see how brave you are, We’ll see how fast you’ll be running.
I always picture the people singing this to the tributes as they enter the arena every year. (And why yes, it does look like I found a way to work a Tori Amos song onto every playlist!)

2. The Killers "Human"Are we human? Or are we dancer?
Seriously! How can you all sit back and enjoy watching kids battle to the death?!

3. Iggy Pop "TV Screen"No one wants to give a damn, Or even hear a thought, They rush from one fad to the next, You talk and it has no effect.
Sounds like a good description of those frivolous capitol citizens.

4. Aqua "Barbie Girl"I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world, Life in plastic, it's fantastic! You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere, Imagination, life is your creation. Come on Barbie, let's go party!
Which brings me to the most frivolous, bubblehead song I can think of, for people whose biggest regret is having feathered costumes at their birthday party.

5. Bow Wow Wow "I Want Candy"I want candy. I want candy.
This is the song that's running through my head during the banquet scenes, mainly because of the scene in the movie Marie Antoinette.

6. Company of Thieves "Oscar Wilde"Porcelain teacups decorate, Tables and the conversation, Beauty pageants, all the time, Is running out, the time is running out.
I think the frivolous times of the capitol are about to come to an end. What about you?

We're going to find out soon, y'all, because tomorrow is Mockingjay release day (FINALLY!)

I know a lot of you are going to release parties tonight (envious!), but please remember, DO NOT post spoilers until we all have a chance to read it. Since I'm in Germany at the moment, I don't know when I'll be able to get my hands on a copy. But, oh, if you happen to be in Berlin, Germany on the 28th, there's a special Mockingjay party from 12-2 pm at Storytime Books.

But now on to my epic giveaway. You do need a place to play all these playlists I've prepared for you, and that's where this 8 GBiPod touch engraved with a Mockingjay logo comes in. That will be one lucky winner!

And if you want to read more things Hunger Games, be sure to check out the official Facebook page, and head over to the District 11 stop at Mundie Moms on Wednesday. Also, if you love dystopian fiction, I am currently smack in the middle of a whole theme month celebrating dystopias. Check it out and join in the fun!

"And when the clock strikes 12, tell me where you gonna be?Cleaning up the mess we've made or watching your T.V.And if you have to ask, then you don't have a clue,There's snow in Arizona while they're bombing in Beirut"

"I hope some day... when i'm dead and gone,We learned to right... everything that's wrong,With loving hands... turn sick to strong,Our time will tell... if life goes on...on...on, on, on"

"When the storm hits your front door, with a roar you can't ignore....Ya run, run, away! but there's no place to hide, mate!When the days turn into night, you don't got no chance to fight...'Cause you're too late! so kiss your ass goodbye, mate!"

"It just don't make no sense, there's a million mouthes to feedWe got military action over monetary needAnd you can turn your back, or you can plant the seedYou can choose compassion over universal greed"

I have a song for Rue's district. It's called "Redemption" and it's by Johnny Cash. I reminds me of the hard working folks of her district who are willing to risk all for freedom--But who still have a love and appreciation for nature.

I love the songs that you've listed...I'm going to have to spend some time listening to unfamiliar ones and relistening to those I've heard.

And, holy awesome giveaway! I linked to it in my (ever-growing)Mockingjay Madness post.

I think a good song for Rue (from Katinss's perspective) would be "Fix You" by Coldplay

OK, I'm having way too much fun with this now. I'm going through my iTunes account, trying to see how songs would apply to the book.

The song "Letter from a Thief" by Chevelle would be great for President Snow:

They know what everybody knowsBetter sit a letter from a thief saysWhy lead when everybody sleepsSo few ways toCover up the old woundsLost in a finger forced to lieThis sends us medicatingThrough it all

If you ever enter my mindStay there, you'll liveDefend it off and fool them allStay there

Faceless, so little there to judgeLeft wing, let's separate the cold outOpposites, we never need to tellOne sting, I found I'm having to,I'm having to

If you ever enter my mindStay there, you'll liveDefend it off and fool them allStay there, you'll liveDefend it off and fool them all

Solitudewaste of a manThis fades as soon as the sun sets

I now own this fatal role that livesImagine here's a better feelTold to ﻿dissolve or choose to fadeOr stay hereyou'll live

AND...

I'm hoping the theme song for Mockingjay will be "Uprising" by Muse:

They will not force usThey will stop degrading usThey will not control usWe will be victorious!

Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor. A) Rocky listens to it when he trains, so I bet it's a great training song. B) It makes me want to run around and be all atheletic-y. C) It's a pump up, focus, eyes on the prize kind of song. Perfect to pump up any tribute.

This is probably one of the most interesting blog posts in the tour and it really got me thinking. I have a tendancy to relate songs to different characters while I listen to them, yet for some reason I never did this with "The Hunger Games!"

The first song that pops into my mind when I think about the book would probably be "Believe" by the All-American Rejects. It doesn't really adress anyone solely in particular in my head, but I think it is a good fit for the book itself. I mean, just the first half of the chorus, "I don’t ever want to believe, I don’t ever want to believe yeah, That when we die, We all leave..." makes me think about all the people who die in the games each year. They have families waiting for them at home, friends, and even sometimes allies in the Games who all mourn their loss. Of course, this song is easily relatable to Ms.Everdeen and her lost friend, Rue."Your innocence is not forgotten, I hope you know that where you are I wish you well, I hope you sleep in a perfect memory..."I can easily imagine Katniss singing this line in particular after her tiny bird of a friend meets her tragic fate, missing her and hoping she's gone off to a better place. Or perhaps she could sing this during the dream she has about Rue after she dies. Either way, Rue and Katniss come to mind.Heck, even Haymitch seems to come up in this song!"Yesterday just took me hostage, Yesterday locked me away from any truth, And now tomorrow's here without you, I know it’s hard I’ve tried, I could never say goodbye..."I think most of us attribute Haymitch's drinking problem for his traumatic experience in the Games, and this line I think adresses that all too known fact that no matter what you do or how much you drink, you'll never escape those days in the games. Nobody ever really gets over it, as proven by all the victors who turn to alcohol, morphling, or just go crazy, and Haymitch is no exception. Really, just one word is needed in his case: Maysilee. Without a doubt, Haymitch could sing this when thinking of his old teammate's sad demise.

Something has changed within meSomething is not the sameI'm through with playing by the rulesOf someone else's gameToo late for second-guessingToo late to go back to sleepIt's time to trust my instincts

...

I'm through accepting limits''cause someone says they're soSome things I cannot changeBut till I try, I'll never know!Too long I've been afraid ofLosing love I guess I've lostWell, if that's loveIt comes at much too high a cost!...

I think this is a great song, because it's about Katnisss starting to realize that she wants to stop obeying the capitol and go with the rebellion.

These are great selections! I just finished The Hunger Games Saturday and Catching Fire yesterday -- I am all set to pick up Mockingjay tomorrow!! Can' wait!! I'm still up in the air on Team Peeta or Team Gale -- seriously, I love Gale's manliness and it's frustrating me that Peeta always has to be saved, and I want to know more about Gale, for cryin' out loud!

"Come along, follow me as I lead through the darknessAs I provide just enough spark, that we need to proceedCarry on, give me hope, give me strength,Come with me, and I won't steer you wrongPut your faith and your trust as I guide us through the fogTill the light, at the end, of the tunnel, we gonna fight,We gonna charge, we gonna stomp, we gonna march through the swampWe gonna mosh through the marsh, take us right through the doors"

Why don't presidents fight the war?Why do they always send the poor?Why don't presidents fight the war?Why do they always send the poor?Why do they always send the poor?Why do they always send the poor?Why do they always send the poor?

don't stop believing by journey because Katniss and Peeta keep believing that they will save each others life's while ricking there own, and the book has a lot of hope in it, like that District 13 is still "alive" and everybody believes Katniss is the Mockingjay there symbol of hope

How about Don't Cry Sister by J. J. Cale & Eric Clapton? It would be on Katniss's playlist for Prim (and "old man trouble" would clearly be the Capitol):

Don’t cry sister cry, it’ll be alright in the morningDon’t cry sister cry, everything’ll be just fineDon’t cry sister cry, it’ll be alright, I tell you no lieDon’t cry sister cry, don’t do it, don’t do itWhen old man trouble knocks on your doorDon’t give him no key, he just wants moreHe’ll turn your life to miseryKick you down, just like meDon’t cry sister cry, it’ll be alright, it’ll be alrightDon’t cry sister cry, everything’ll be just fineWoke downhearted and you feel so badSomebody wants something of nothing you hadLove don’t come too easy, you seeA little bit of you and a little bit of meDon’t cry sister cry, it’ll be alright, it’ll be alrightDon’t cry sister cry, everything’ll be just fineEverything’ll be just fineEverything’ll be just fineDon’t cry sister cry, don’t do it, don’t do itDon’t cry sister cry, don’t do it, don’t do it

"Vox Populi" by 30 Seconds to Mars.Actually whenever I read my Hunger Games books I usually listen to 30stm because a lot of their songs have meanings that pertain to the Hunger Games.This one I think of the most whenever someone mentions the power struggle and basically the themes of the Hunger Games:

'Ever want to just stop?Do you want to surrender?Or fight for victory?Here we are at the startI can feel the beating of our heartsHere we are at the startDarkness falls here comes the rainTo wash away the past and the namesDarkness falls here comes the rainTo end it all the blood and the games'

So,like I said it reminds me of Katniss' struggle against the Capitol,and also for each district themselves,how they are ready to charge into a war and overthrow the Capitol.Will they? We'll all see tomorrow with the release of Mockingjay.Also I like the last two lines......kind of sums up our view on the Hunger Games so far doesn't it?The rain,or in this case the overthrowing.....will it work out and end the Capitol's cruel practices (like the Games themselves)?I sure hope so.:D

OH MY GOSH!! are you serious about there being an event in Berlin? I'm here too, and I've been really sad to miss all the cool release parties and stuff. I just looked up the bookstore, and it seems like an awesome place! but when I clicked on the events tab, nothing was listed for the 28th, that's why I was asking. But that's still really cool! I still can't believe that there's a bookstore here with books in english! Thanks so much for the link!Solveig

Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. It describes the situation of the Capitol taking over from the Districts point of view.Who do you think you are?Runnin' round leaving scarsCollecting your jar of heartsTearing love apartYou're gonna catch a coldFrom the ice inside your soulSo don't come back for meWho do you think you are?

The Capitol left scars on all the people and the victors with the hunger games and they tear love apart with the hunger games also. They are evil and shouldn't even try to win back loyalties from the people. it obviously isn't what the song was meant to be about, but i think it can be taken that way.

NEED TO BELIEVE by HYPNOGAJAI love this band. I can read so many of the characters into this song.Tell me can you save meFrom myselfAm I all you needAnd no one elseYou can’t be all that you seemI just need to believe

Tell me is it safe to assumeI will always be enough for youI can’t be all that you needI just need to believe

I don’t want foreverOnly a moment that’s realAnd I know that I am just pretendingCause I don’t believe in happy endings

Tell me do you see meFor what I amAm I your portrait of the perfect manThis can’t be all that it seemsI just need to believe

I don’t want foreverOnly a moment that’s realAnd I know that I am just pretendingCause I don’t believe in happy endings

And I know that I am just pretending[Can you see me?]Cause I don’t believe in happy endings[Need to believe]

Don’t want to face realityRight now I just need to believeAnd I know that I am just pretendingCause I don’t believe in happy endings

And I know that I am just pretending[Can you see me?]Cause I don’t believe in happy endings[Need to believe]All I need is to believe [x8]

For Cinna, how about the I'm Too Sexy for My Shirt song? :) (It even has the line about the catwalk to fit in for his fashion-y awesomeness). :) But I digress.

One I do think fits him pretty well (not perfect) for his situation being trapped by the Capitol is Rebirthing by Skillet. Some of the lines just struck me for him. I REALLY hope he isn't dead! *sobs* He's probably very seriously my favorite character in the series.

This is where our diligence has leadThe waves roll in to claim our patient stepsCan we become more than just ourselves?And leave the sand, our want, our will, our doubt

It's firefight, I won't run.They're spitting spite all through my bloodFor you and me, there's nowhere left to hideExcept you and me, there's no one else alive

I always think of this song as Katniss and Peeta prepare for the games and all throughout the games.

Shadows and Regrets by: Yellowcard

I'm back, back in townand everything has changedI feel, feel let downthe faces stayed the sameI see, see shadowsof who we used to beAnd I drive, drive these roadsthrough this memory

And we were only kidsAnd we were best of friendsAnd we hoped for the bestAnd let go from the rest

I think this is pretty much how Katniss felt when she came back to District 12. She wishes she could go back to how it was before she was selected for the games.

For Peeta: Over and Over by Three Days Grace

I feel it everyday it's all the sameIt brings me down but I'm the one to blameI've tried everything to get awaySo here I go againChasing you down againWhy do IDo this?

Over and over, over and overI fall for youOver and over, over and overI try not to

It feels like everyday stays the sameIt's dragging me down and I can't pull awaySo here I go againChasing you down againWhy do IDo this?

Over and over, over and overI fall for youOver and over, over and overI try not toOver and over, over and overYou make me fall for youOver and over, over and overYou don't even try

I feel this is pretty obvious. This is the song I imagine when I think of Peeta's feelings for Katniss.

For Gale: Come Right Out and Say It by: Relient K

I better check my pride, because I was starting to think that I was onto something goodBut things started to slide and I sit here in retrospect, understanding that I misunderstood

Thought I could make up your mindYou had a decision locked up so tight, it couldn't be touchedThought you were being so kindBy keeping your mouth sealed shut, rather than just opening it up

Why don't you come right out and say it?Even if the words are probably gonna hurt,I'd rather have the truth than something insincereWhy don't you come right out and say it? (Come right out and say it)What it is you're thinking, though I'm thinking it's not what I wanna hear

I feel like this is Gale trying to understand Katniss and where exactly he fits into her life now.

I'll never beA knight in armorWith a sword in hand,Or a kamikaze fighter;Don't count on meTo storm the barricadesAnd take a stand,Or hold my ground;You'll never seeAny scars or wounds -I don't walk on coals,I won't walk on water:I am no prince,I am no saint,I am not anyone's wildest dream,But I will stand behindAnd be someone to fall back on.

Some comedy -You're bruised and beaten downAnd I'm the oneWho's looking for a favor.Still, honestly,You don't believe meBut the things I haveAre the things you need.You look at meLike I don't make sense,Like a waste of time,Like it serves no purpose -I am no prince,I am no saint,And if that's what you believe you need,You're wrong - you don't need much,You need someone to fall back on...

And I'll be that:I'll take your side.If I'm the only one,I'm used to that.I've been alone,Id rather beThe half of us,The least of you,The best of me.And I will beI'll be Your prince,I'll be your saint,I will go crashing through fencesIn your name. I will, I swear -I'll be someone to fall back on!Ill be the one who waits,And for as long as you'll let me,I will be the one you need.I'll be someone to fall back on.

These are some great song choices and I love what everyone else is adding as well.

Almost every song on OneRepublic's Waking Up album could fit THG in some way. My particular favorite is 'Fear.' It works so well for Katniss and Peeta and really seems perfect for any of the tributes, or even just the children of the districts in general.

No sleep TodayCan't even rest when the suns downNo timeThere's not enoughAnd nobody's watching me now

When we were children we'd playOut in the streets just dipped in fateWhen we were children we'd sayThat we don't the meaning ofFear, fear, fear,Fear, fear, fearWe don't know the meaning of..

When we were children we'd playOut in the streets just dipped in fateWhen we were children we'd sayThat we don't the meaning ofFear, fear, fear,Fear, fear, fearWe don't know the meaning of..

I think Gale's playlist is my favorite - you put two of my favorite songs on it (Crane Wife 1+2, The Hunter). I'm terrible at making playlists for characters, so I'm always happy to see other people's.

My husband is now reading The Hunger Games (score! He's reading!) -- and we came up with a couple songs now:

-- The Sound of Madness, by Shinedown -- Katniss-- Click, Click, Boom, by Saliva -- general background music, but could fit Thresh as he bashed in a skull...-- Let the Bodies Hit the Floor, Drowning Pool -- The opening of the games, when everyone runs for the Cornucopia

"Takk Glosoli" by Sigur Roshere's an english translation of part of the lyrics:"I’ve become so used to this crazinessThat it’s now compulsoryAnd here you are…I’m feeling…And here you are, Glowing sun…"

The haunting music and lyrics of Sigur Ros fit perfectly to what I imagine people hoping, depending, and loving Katniss, to be feeling. She's just Katniss but she's also this unattainable and somewhat unknowable being to Peeta and Gale and even sometimes herself. And as the Mockingjay, she is meant to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of district 12, like a glowing sun on a new day. eek! I think I much too into this series!! lol

What do you think about Ceasar Flickerman's theme song as Candyman by Christina Aguilera. I thought of this song based on his continual colored hair dying and his botoxed face. a Blue or lavender hair reminds me of cotton cand. It gives a catchy upbeat 1940's tune for his interview Show.

I would die for youI would die for youI've been dying just to feel you by my side, to know that you're mine

I would cry for youI would cry for youI will wash away your pain with all my tears, I'm drowning on fear

I will pray for youI will pray for you,I will sell my soul for something pure and true, someone like you

See your face every place that I walk inHear your voice every time that I'm talkin'You will believe in me, and I will never be ignored

I will burn for youFeel pain for youI will twist the knife and bleed my aching heart, and tear it apart

I will lie for youBeg and steal for youI will crawl on hands and knees until you see, you're just like me

Violate all the love that I'm missin'Throw away all the pain that I'm livin'You will believe in me, and I can never be ignored

I would die for youI would kill for youI will steal for youI'd do time for youI will wait for youI'd make room for youI'd sink ships for you,Take the cross for youMake me a part of youBecause I believe in youI believe in youI would die for you

For Katniss I would choose Fences by Paramore, because it explains how the Capital and the districts watch her every move so closely.I would choose the song Secrets by OneRepublic for Finnick. Cause he explains that people payed for his company with secrets and (SPOILER ALERT) he uses that to the rebel's advantage.

"just like you" by three days grace since it's so perfect the line "you thought you were standing by me, but you were only in my way, you're wrong if you think that i'll be just like you" on how Katniss treats all those in authority to her. like they're "just in her way" ;)

Oh, this is so awesome. So awesome. I'm just about to run off off the computer, but I am totally coming back here and reading through the comments for more music discoveries. Loved the playlists, Lenore, and thanks for letting me be a part of it!

"Change" by Taylor Swift reminds me of so many different elements. I can't really pick it for a single person. It more just embodies Mockingjay.

And it's a sad picture, the final blow hits youSomebody else gets what you wanted againYou know it's all the same, another time and placeRepeating history and you're getting sick of itBut I believe in whatever you doAnd I'll do anything to see it through.

chorusBecause these things will changeCan you feel it now?These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall downThis revolution, the time will comeFor us to finally winWe sing hallelujah, we sing hallelujah

So we've been outnumberedRaided and now corneredIt's hard to fight when the fight ain't fairWe're getting stronger nowFind things they never foundThey might be biggerBut we're faster and never scaredYou can walk away, say we don't need thisBut there's something in your eyesSays we can beat this

repeat chorus

Tonight we'll stand, get off our kneesFight for what we've worked for all these yearsAnd the battle was long, it's the fight of our livesBut we'll stand up champions tonight

It was the night things changedDo you see it now?These walls that they put up to hold us back fell downIt's a revolution, throw your hands upCause we never gave inAnd we'll sing hallelujah, we sang hallelujahHallelujah